Following prolonged strike action by members of UNISON, Unite and the UCU, the joint trade unions have today (Tuesday) struck a deal with the University of Dundee that will allow pension talks to resume.
UNISON members have been on strike for three weeks, with the final three days of strike action being withdrawn.
UNISON branch secretary Phil Welsh said “We are delighted the university has stepped up and realised that their plan for pension reform was flawed.
“We ran a short consultation with our members, and they have accepted the proposed way forward. We are now ready to negotiate with the employer on a defined benefit pension which will not plunge our members into a retirement of poverty.
“The branch is really grateful for every message of support they have received so far, and want to thank everyone for all the strike fund donations we have received across the union.”
Organising the strikes, the joint trade unions also received support from local and national politicians, including a cross-party motion passed by Dundee City Council condemning the university’s original plans and urging them to seek an alternative which provided dignity in retirement.
UNISON regional organiser Mo Dickson said: “Our members have accepted the framework for negotiations which will provide a real chance to negotiate a defined benefit scheme.
“Our members have shown great industrial strength, but they understand that recent developments may not resolve this dispute entirely. We hope that talks to explore defined benefit alternatives will commence this week and continue until February at the earliest.
“However, UNISON is in the process of re-balloting members as the current strike mandate expires on 13 November. So, if a defined contribution scheme reappears, then our members will recommence strike action.”